Parkville Missouri

Parkville Nature Sanctuary

Reservations | Events | Donations | Sponsorship Program | Contact Us | FOPNS | Sullivan Nature Sanctuary

The Parkville Nature Sanctuary is a wildlife preserve and educational site developed and maintained by the City with the help of a group of extraordinary volunteers. It is a 115 acre natural outdoor area made accessible by nearly three miles of hiking trails. Daily operations of the sanctuary are overseen by a part-time director. Call Nature Sanctuary Director Kristen Bontrager at (816) 741-7676 with questions about the sanctuary.

The main entrance of the Parkville Nature Sanctuary is at 12th Street, south of Highway 9, at the bottom of the hill next to the Park University athletic fields.

General Information

Hours:

  • Open every day, sunrise to sunset

Rules:

  • NO dogs or other pets allowed on the trails (see FAQs below for explanation)
  • Stay on trails
  • Put trash in proper receptacles
  • No unauthorized vehicles (including bicycles, skateboards, etc.)
  • No fires
  • No hunting, fishing, or trapping
  • No picking, collecting, or digging
  • No firearms
  • No camping
  • No weddings
History of the Sanctuary

In 1989, the developers of Riss Lake donated 49 acres of land at the base of the dam to the City of Parkville along with $25,000 seed money to develop it as a nature sanctuary. In 1992, former Parkville Nature Sanctuary director Jim Reed was asked to form a Parkville Nature Sanctuary Committee to develop and manage the property.

Parkville Nature SanctuaryWith help from a Missouri Department of Conservation naturalist, trails were laid out to make the area accessible with minimal impact to the land and wildlife habitats. Bridges were built across White Alloe Creek, a boardwalk was constructed over the swampy area, and erosion control devices were incorporated in the trails to minimize damage from human activities. With the help of many volunteers, Scout troops, and service groups the trails became a reality.

In 1997, the Missouri Department of Conservation purchased 68 acres adjacent to the Sanctuary and designated it as the White Alloe Creek Conservation Area. This added a beautiful forested area and more than doubled the area managed by the Parkville Nature Sanctuary.  To take advantage of the new area, the “White Tail Trail” was developed in the White Alloe Creek Conservation Area. Many Eagle Scout projects have since enhanced the accessibility of the White Tail Trail with improvements such as graveled paths, wood steps, and switchbacks.

Later the “Bluebird Trail” was cleared according to ADA standards to facilitate access for those with moderate restrictions on their mobility.

The old Girl Scout Cabin location was preserved and restored as a gathering area and in 1999 was fitted with a shelter roof. Still boasting its original brick fireplace, it has become a favorite location for many gatherings, including the enormously popular Halloween “Ghost Stories.”

Reservations

The Shelter (known as the Girl Scout Cabin) can be reserved in three-hour increments in the Nature Sanctuary. There is no vehicle access nor utilities available at the shelter. All nature sanctuary rules must be followed. Shelters can be reserved by completing the Shelter Reservation Permit and emailing it to Nature Sanctuary Director Kristen Bontrager for approval.

2023 Events

The Parkville Nature Sanctuary hosts several annual events.

  • Pollinator Garden Clean-up Day – Saturday, March 4, 9:30 a.m. to noon – volunteers will help with spring clean the memorial pollinator garden at the sanctuary. Gloves, equipment and light refreshments will be provided. FLYER
  • Pumpkin Carving – Thursday, October 26, 6-8 p.m. (McKeon Stage in English Landing Park)
    • All ages welcome to this free event with live music from Shortleaf Band and refreshments, we will carve 200-300 pumpkins that will be used to decorate the trails of the nature sanctuary for the night of Ghost Stories.
  • Ghost Stories – Saturday, October 28, 6-9 p.m.
    • Trick or Treat Trail – 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Haunted Trail: 7:15 p.m.
    • Music by KC Bear Fighters and spooky stories: 6:30 p.m.
  • Winter Wonderland – Saturday, December 16, 1-3 p.m.

Donations

Check:

Checks may be made out to the Parkville Nature Sanctuary and can dropped off or mailed to: Parkville City Hall, 8880 Clark Avenue, Parkville MO 64152.

Credit Card:

Click to here to make a donation via credit card (convenience fee applied to credit card payments). Please note that this link will take you to an external payment processing page. All donations are tax deductible.

Sponsorship Program

The Parkville Nature Sanctuary Sponsorship Program was set up to enhance programming including Nature Day Camp, Pumpkin Carving and Ghost Stories. Additionally, funds may be allocated to improve our trail system and keep the sanctuary safe and fun for all.

Check:

Checks may be made out to the Parkville Nature Sanctuary and can dropped off or mailed to: Parkville City Hall, 8880 Clark Avenue, Parkville MO 64152.

Credit Card:

Click to here to make a donation via credit card (convenience fee applied to credit card payments). Please note that this link will take you to an external payment processing page. All donations are tax deductible.

2022 Volunteer Work Day Opportunities

If you are interested in participating in a volunteer work day from 9 a.m. to noon on the dates below, please contact Kristen Bontrager in advance by Thursday of that week.

Note: The minimum age for the volunteer events is 13  years old.

If you are a Scout and are looking to complete an Eagle Scout Service Project, please contact Kristen Bontrager at (816) 741-7676.

Nature Sanctuary Staff:

Director: Kristen Bontrager
Assistant Director: Wayne Frazier

Friends of Parkville Nature Sanctuary

In 2015, the Friends of Parkville Nature Sanctuary (FOPNS) was founded as a 501(c)(3) to raise funds for projects at the Sanctuary.  In the fall of 2018, the group launched its website friendsofpns.org where visitors can view projects, purchase items or make a donation.

Memorial Tree Grove

Would you like to honor the memory of a special person in your life by planting a tree in their name?  The Parkville Nature Sanctuary is creating a Memorial Tree Grove where such remembrances are established. For $1,000, you can choose from a list of available native species and write the text that will be placed on a 6” x 6” cast bronze plaque that identifies your tree. Contact sanctuary director Kristen Bontrager at 741-7676 or visit the FOPNS website for more information.

Robert Fluchel Memorial Butterfly Garden Commemorative Bricks

FOPNS is selling commemorative bricks that will be placed around the Robert Fluchel Memorial Butterfly Garden at the entrance to the sanctuary. Application

2023 Calendars

The Friends of Parkville Nature Sanctuary is planning ahead for 2023! Their annual calendar featuring images from this year’s monthly photo contest is now on sale. All proceeds will go to projects that are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the sanctuary. For more information visit https://www.friendsofpns.org/store.html.

Sullivan Nature Sanctuary

The Sullivan Nature Sanctuary is located on the north side of Platte Landing Park along Rush Creek, west of the bridge entry. The land was donated by members of the Sullivan family and was dedicated in memory of Edgar and Ruth Sullivan, as well as other family members.  The North Twin and South Twin trails were named after their twin daughters, Kathryn and Virginia. In honor of Maria Ewing, the matriarch of the Sullivan family, the loop trail at end of the North Wing Trail was named the Maria Ewing Trail in April 2015.

Sullivan Nature Sanctuary SignHistory

The sanctuary land was part of 8.64 acres acquired from the Brown and Smalley families in 2006 (4.64 acres were purchased and 4 acres were donated). A total of 3.03 acres became dedicated to the Sullivan Nature Sanctuary and the balance was reserved for future parkland. In 2010, the land was platted and the Brown family donated an additional 1.15 acres to the north, expanding the sanctuary to 4.18 acres. In 2014, the Brown and Smalley families dedicated an additional 3.45 acres to expand the sanctuary to 7.63 acres. The remaining acreage is still reserved for future parkland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dog?

No, our management plan is developed for a wildlife sanctuary, not a city park. It is for wildlife and passive recreation to view wildlife. One of the top prospects for our hikers is the opportunity to see deer, turkey and other animals in a quiet and reflective setting. Dogs, especially barking and running ones, disturb wildlife and other hikers.

We do not allow any domesticated animals on our trails as they are not native to the ecosystem area. Scents that domesticated animals leave prevent wildlife from being comfortable in their own home. Even when people do clean up after their animals, the scents that animals leave behind affect wildlife. We try to maintain a delicate system with human visitors, which is why we do not allow visitors after dark or before sunrise. Ultimately, any and all domesticated wildlife fundamentally alters the sanctuary.

There are miles of well-maintained trails less than a mile away from the Nature Sanctuary that include the riverfront trail system from Riverside to Platte Landing Park, all of which are accessible to those with all abilities. The Sullivan Nature Sanctuary is a smaller nature sanctuary that does allow domestic animals. A bit further away is the Green Hills of Platte Wildlife Reserve, info on that can be found here, https://www.platteparks.com/park/green-hills-of-platte-wildlife-preserve/.

Are service animals allowed at the sanctuary?

Only dogs are classified as service animals and they must perform a specific task that assists a person with a disability. Emotional support or comfort animals are not service animals.

Parkville Nature Sanctuary does have a trail which is accommodating to those with all abilities, called the Blue Bird Trail. It is not a loop trail but it is beautiful!

See https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm for more information.

If we see someone on the trail claiming to have a service animal, staff has the right to ask the following:

  1. is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? And,
  2. what work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

How long are the hiking trails?

Old Kate Trail is 0.9 miles long and is the most popular loop trail circles a forested stream valley. It proceeds to the waterfalls, the Riss Lake Dam, the boardwalk and the “Girl Scout Cabin” pavilion. Hiking time: 30 Minutes. Difficulty: Mild to Moderate.

White Tail Trail at 1.5 miles long. It proceeds up the hill to the highest point in the Nature Sanctuary and then back down the hill where it connects with the Old Kate Trail. Hiking time: 50 minutes to 1 hour. Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (hilly and rocky in places).

Bluebird Trail at 0.3 miles long and has an ADA accessible trail spur. It proceeds north along White Alloe Creek from the road by the soccer field to the prairie and back. Hiking time: 10 Minutes. Difficulty: Mild.

Butterfly Pass is 0.1 miles and Paw Paw Path is 0.2 miles.

What kind of wildlife will I see?

Songbirds, deer, other small mammals, frogs, turtles, snakes, colorful insects and many species of butterfly.

Is water available?

Yes, water is available at the restroom.

Are there restrooms? Where are they located?

A restroom is located at the south end of the 12th Street parking lot, courtesy of Park University.

Are there any accommodations for people with disabilities?

Due to the natural hilly terrain, access by wheelchair is limited to the Bluebird Trail which travels 0.3 miles along the scenic edge of White Alloe Creek.

May I rent or reserve the Girl Scout Cabin pavilion?

For a simple event, like a birthday party or small meeting, the cabin may be reserved for a fee. There is no parking or vehicular access to the pavilion. You must carry in and carry out anything you need. For more information, see Girl Scout Cabin Reservation Form. For an event that is more involved or charges a fee to participants, additional regulations apply. For more information on special events, visit the Guidelines for Events in Parkville.

Is camping allowed?

No, camping is not allowed.

May bus groups visit?

Yes, however parking is limited. It is recommended that you first contact Nature Sanctuary Director Kristen Bontrager.

May school classes or youth groups visit?

Yes, school groups or youth groups may visit without reservations. It is recommended that you first contact Nature Sanctuary Director Kristen Bontrager.

Are guided tours available?

No, guided tours are not available because of limited staff.

May I hold my wedding at the Nature Sanctuary?

No, weddings are not permitted in the Nature Sanctuary per the Guidelines for Events in Parkville.

Is there poison ivy in the Nature Sanctuary?

Yes, poison ivy is found in all wooded areas of Missouri. Stay on the trails and wear jeans, shoes and socks when hiking. Avoid contact with low shrubs or ‘hairy’ vines with three leaves.

How can I find out about volunteer opportunities?

Keep an eye out on the main page, our Facebook page, or contact Nature Sanctuary Director Kristen Bontrager.

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